LDA20-0216 Strathcona The Baron Rezoning

Perhaps keep something of the original facade for the retail spaces below?

Otherwise it seems like a great idea to update the space, it’ll grow the population density and businesses along Whyte Avenue, many of which struggle for clientele in a sprawling city. It gets pretty clogged as is with vehicle and foot traffic during peak hours so rapid transit would be a must!

I would like to express my support for the submission made by the Strathcona community league and my disagreement with the proposed rezoning of the Baron project. I have lived very close to the site for 13 years now and take great interest in preserving the unique character of the area. In particular, I take issue with the following:

1. Design: I am aware that the property owners and developers cannot be forced to preserve the existing building. However, they can contribute to Whyte Avenue's character by respecting the current zoning (no higher than 4 storeys) and developing a historically inspired building. The proposed building looks very bland and uninspiring to me. It is by no means "compatible in architectural and built form with the historic buildings of the area", as stated in the purpose of the existing DC1 provision. A cookie-cutter tower like the proposed building would set a precedent for the area, and Whyte Avenue's character will be eroded by other buildings that can then follow its example.

2. Site specific rezoning: I agree with a previous submission in the online engagement that "(l)etting developers purchase land under one designation and and then changing the zoning to a more valuable designation via "exceptions" continues to send the wrong message across the entire city". Every exception sets a precedent and weakens the overall plan for the area. Without strong justification that the existing zoning was incorrect, an exception should not be granted.

3. Demand for car-free rental apartments on a noisy through-way: I am missing a market analysis for customer demand from the presented documents. Even though I am enthusiastic about car-free living, I am doubtful that there is strong demand for living in this location with no parking provided. While car-free lifestyle is certainly gaining traction, are there really enough people to fill this building, especially with other attractive rental buildings going up on Whyte Avenue itself and in the downtown core? Why has the Mezzo just one block south from the proposed site not started construction, and will The Baron site end up as another empty lot with a hole in the ground for the same reason? Also to consider are the many complaints about noisy traffic (revving or unmuffled car and motorcycle engines) that the community league fields on a regular basis. Whyte Avenue is a busy through-way and I wonder how many people really want to live that close to the action. In summary, I am worried that this project will be unsuccessful and destroy the area's character for no ultimate benefit.

4. Parking: The parking analysis states the neighbourhood avenues with unrestricted on-street parking "could absorb some additional parking activity generated by casual parking demands without interfering with existing neighbourhood parking characteristics". I strongly disagree with this assessment. As the parking study shows, on-street parking is at 100% capacity during the day, as well as many evenings and especially on Saturdays for the market. Another large residential building in the area would increase competition for unrestricted parking significantly and impact area residents, visitors of the market and Strathcona arts district, patients of the medical offices directly north of the proposed site, and customers of Whyte Avenue businesses. I do not believe that a building with no provided parking will only be occupied by people who do not own a car. The building I live in provides only one parking space per unit, which does not deter occupants from owning more than one car. It will be the same with the proposed building; renters will have cars and park them on the street.

I respectfully ask City Council to deny rezoning and keep the DC1 designation in place. Any new building on the site should not be higher than 4 storeys. Design should be historically inspired and help us remember what was there before, e.g. by replicating the signature cornice and "1909" inscription of the Archibald Block.

There is so little left in the area that is attractive to someone wanting to see what historic Strathcona looked like, I am not sure saving this building will help. Soon Whyte Ave will be a wind tunnel from 109 st to 99 st. Modern Glass fronted retail on ground floor and high rise units above. Post COVID19.....there will be an avenue of empty store fronts...small independents that went under. Keep the Archibald Block for now. See what the new normal will lookoke. Maybe future city council will see value in keeping historic buildings connecting past to future. We already had the Minchau building demolished for what....more residential units. If you want an area devoid of character...just keep the demolitions going... won't take long.

Totally opposed. Why must every vestige of our built history be destroyed?

Removed by moderator.

The city has a restriction of maximum 4 stories in this area. Why have these restrictions and then not enforce them. The developer knows of these restrictions and should build with the restrictions in mind. Do not allow an amendment to theses restrictions. Once you allow one amendment other developers will use it as an example for the city to allow them an amendment and soon there will be no heritage
area. Please, p,ease, turn this developer down. As an over 60 year resident of Queen Alexandra I do not want to see our heritage area decimated.

Once again ,destroying& defacing our fine CITY!! Why on earth are you all so against our History! I am totally sickened by the changes that take place . The populous of the land never have a say. There's always an excuse as to why we never get a " PUBLIC FORUM!" Leave the site as is, people love it. We as Edmontonians should have the right to voice our opinions. I was born & raised here. hardly recognizable with all the LUDICROUS CHANGES!

Don't rezone, rather rehabilitate. We here in Edmonton have lost so much of our heritage architecture. It's time to stop. The Old Courthouse and Postoffice have been lost to demolition. These are places which will not be seen by future generations or visitors. Imagine if the great architecture of Europe had been demolished "to make way....". It's time to stop with this rezoning.

I believe that the charm of Old Strathcona lies in part in its older buildings. So tearing them down, rendering the neighborhood to 'just another neighborhood' will be harmful to businesses and to tourism. I think it's very short-sighted and I'm against it.

I think it should be designated as a historic site. I loved ve those shops. Whyte ave is starting to lose its uniqueness. There are far to many taller buildings going up there. I work there and love going to the shops in the building.

I am in favour of the proposed project. The architecture looks like a great new design that will fit in well with the current eclectic streetscape. Additionally, the increase in residential units will help to bring density to an area filled with retail and other businesses that rely on clientele such as this. This will help those businesses to succeed as well as enticing new business to the area. Finally, a project like this will continue to employ local workers and create continued excitement and appeal for outside investment into Edmonton. If investors see that the City is wiling to work with developers to make these types of projects work, it will make Edmonton a desirable area for future developers to invest in.

As someone who lives out of town and who enjoys visiting Edmonton I must implore you to not destroy and remove more of the citie's historical character. Once gone these buildings can never be replaced. People enjoy visiting to see and experience the history of a city, not the bland modernized version that has replaced it.

This project should be allowed as proposed. This city needs the employment and revenue this project will provide. The project as proposed has its merits and will bring extra life to a stake neighbourhood

STOP IT, stop it, stop it. Stop it before the history and feel of our historic areas are gone forever. Don't knock things down, don't go to high...

Yes, I totally support this! The current structure has outlived its time in my opinion. I feel the applicant's proposal is innovative, sustainable and absolutely beneficial to a Whyte Avenue that could use some character and vibrancy in these times. Without question, the rezoning should be approved.

I strongly support approval of this application. The addition of much needed housing improves the safety of the neighborhood and promotes reinvestment into the countless businesses struggling in Old Strathcona right now. Bringing more people into the community will only enrich the vibrancy of what makes Old Strathcona a special place.
The historical significance of this specific building seems like a stretch. It has been covered with stucco for as long as I can remember, and assume stucco was not available in 1909. While it is important to honor the past, it is equally important not to dwell on it.
Whyte Avenue/Old Strathcona is at risk of being left behind if it does not embrace innovative ideas such as the development proposed here. Bravo and hope that both Planning and the City have the courage to support and approve this and more like it!

Dear honourable councillors,
I listened to the video until the 3:23 minute mark, because your plan was made clear (four story designs only, with opportunity to maybe build a 6 story building).

Why does this developer believe the rules do not apply to their application?

Please, you time, energy, money, consultations are on the line. You made the Whyte Ave plan, don’t let this developer walk over you. Fit the design into your plan, or else it’s councils word that’s on the line. Please. 4-6 story max. Thank you. Last, immediately use the revenue from applications and taxes to the Rollie Miles Rec Centre Design Funding for these new neighbours to use and appreciate by the time their building is done!

To Whom it May Concern,
There are too many changes to the character of Old Strathcona. Unfortunately heritage buildings are sacrifice for money and 'profit' with no thought to the character of the area. Enough development on Whyte, already. This complex can be build either north or south of the avenue. Why is building right on Whyte a priority? This becomes a wind tunnel-a canyon of buildings.

I know that building is progress but why can't the whole area be developed and not just this one avenue.

I am older and there is less and less draw for me to the area. Great shops (that were original and not chain stores) seem to have disappeared. Parking has become a hassle. So why should I go there to shop and dine?

Please do not destroy this building. My tobacco shop is located here.

This could be the beginning of the much needed upgrade to Whyte Ave. The design and multi purpose will only benefit the local economy and help with students looking for housing for the U of A. This is very important for young students from out of town going to school whos parents only feel safest with their children being close to school. A well established builder like Wexford Developments will only make this beautiful transition of an amazing design look elegant in the area and go up smooth.